SanDisk Introduces “World’s Fastest” SD Card with SSD Performance

SanDisk Corp., one of the world’s largest producers of NAND flash-based devices, this week introduced special Secure Digital (SD) memory cards designed specifically for the latest cameras that can record video in 4K resolution (3840*2160 and similar). The new SanDisk Extreme PRO SDHC/SDXC UHS-II cards boast with performance comparable to that of entry-level SSDs.

Professional cameras used for shooting movies in ultra-high-definition resolutions utilize proprietary solid-state drives that boast with enhanced performance and reliability. Such drives are too expensive and not really convenient for consumers. Therefore, developers of NAND flash interfaces and memory controllers created UHS-II standard as well as UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) spec specifically to enable high-speed memory cards capable of high-speed writing.

The new SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II cards offer up to 250MB/s write speeds for continuous burst mode shooting and transfer speeds of up to 280MB/s for maximum workflow efficiency. In order to take advantage of those speeds, users will need new cameras compatible with UHS-II specification.

“Camera manufacturers are rapidly introducing camera models for both consumers and professionals that are capable of higher burst rates and 4K video capture. Accordingly, memory card technology must move at a similar pace to provide users with the substantial performance required to take full advantage of these features. The higher levels of performance delivered by the new SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II card will help ensure that photographers, videographers and filmmakers are able to take advantage of the full capabilities of new professional-grade cameras,” said Christopher Chute, research director of worldwide digital imaging at IDC.

Optimized for the next generation of high-end DSLRs and pro video cameras that support the UHS-II standard, the SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II card delivers the uncompromising results that professional photographers demand. Fast write speeds of up to 250MB/s allows users to take high-resolution images, such as RAW and JPEG, in succession. In addition to industry-leading read and write speeds, the card offers the highest video performance available for sustained video capture of 30MB/s (U3), allowing capture of cinema-quality 4K, 3D and Full HD videos.

SanDisk Extreme PRO SDHC/SDXC UHS-II cards are available for preorder on www.sandisk.com now, with worldwide availability in April in 16GB to 64GB capacities carrying MSRPs of $119.99 to $299.99. The SanDisk Extreme PRO SDHC/SDXC UHS-II Card reader/writer is also available for preorder online, with worldwide availability in April at an MSRP of $49.99.

SanDisk Extreme PRO memory cards are tested for durability under extreme temperature conditions and backed by a lifetime limited warranty. The cards also include a one-year downloadable offer for RescuePRO Deluxe media recovery software, which helps photographers recover their images in case of accidental deletion.